People don’t normally associate fried food with being healthy. Neither did we, that’s until we first heard of air fryers. Air fryers are a much healthier option than deep fat fryers, especially for those people who are concerned about the impact of using a lot of oil in their cooking.
They also take a lot less time to cook food and preheat than conventional ovens, saving you time in the long run. The most common food to cook in them is chips, but they can also make things such as chicken, fish, vegetables and even puddings.
As with most appliances, there are a lot on the market, but to help you choose which is best for your needs we have reviewed the best selection.
The Best Air Fryers – Our Top Picks
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Best Air Fryers
The Ninja Foodi is an air fryer, pressure cooker, and slow cooker all in one. When the Ninja Foodi was released, it got a lot of buzz. People were excited that there was a new kid on the block. They hoped it was just as good as the other two. The fact that it pretty much sold out instantly shows it was even better than anyone expected. When we tested it, we loved everything about it. The instructions and guide made it so easy to get used to, and it was a breeze to handle as well. The sheer amount you can do with the Foodi is extraordinary, from boiling an egg to slow cooking a ragu and air frying potato wedges. Because it is such a unique and high-quality appliance, we did not think a short review would suffice, so we dedicated a much more comprehensive review below: NINJA FOODI™ TENDERCRISP™ PRESSURE COOKER INSTRUCTION MANUAL As our in-depth review shows, there is very little to fault with this kitchen appliance, and you will start to wonder how you ever did without it. If you like the Pro Breeze XL Air Fryer but you don’t appreciate how it takes up valuable space on your counter, then we’re pleased to introduce you to the Pro Breeze 4.2L Air Fryer AF-01-UK. This version comes with a capacity of 4.2 litres that should be enough to serve about 4 or 5 people. It operates via a powerful 1400W and features a specially designed ventilation grille that hot air to circulate at a high speed, effectively creating a cyclone motion for quick but even cooking. The Pro Breeze 4.2 L Air Fryer is also equipped with a simple LED display that enables you to select a suitable cooking mode from 7 pre-programmed modes for making chips, chicken, pork, fish, steak, shrimp, lamb chops, and even cake. Additionally, you can control the cooking temperature or set the fryer to turn off after a certain period. Similar to the XL version, the fry basket is detachable and coated with a non-stick to make cleaning less trouble. You can also place the basket in the dishwasher and let it take care of the job. The Pro Breeze 4.2L Air Fryer has the same safety features! a built-in overheating protection system and automatic shut-off sensors. AF-01 Instruction Manual A handy machine with a powerful motor and high-tech features, the Pro Breeze 4.2L Air Fryer is a great option for mid-sized families looking for versatility. Ah Ninja. The Kings of the kitchen appliance world, who deliver time and time again. We love their Foodi, which can air fry too, but if you want a dedicated air fryer (with a few extra functions the Foodi misses) then this is one of the absolute best around. You can air fry, roast, reheat and dehydrate with this unit, meaning your food can be up to 75% healthier than using alternative methods such as deep frying. Yet, it will still taste as good. The 3.8L non-stick crisping basket is a very generous size for small families, and most of the internal parts are perfectly dishwasher-safe so you can pop your feet up when you’ve had the meal without slaving away again. To put it into perspective, the basket will hold 900g of fries, which is a serving of 6. Because it does so much, you can make crispy chips or roasties, prepare side vegetables, dehydrate foods for homemade dried fruits, vegetable crisps and beef jerky, and restore pizzas and crusty breads to their former glory if they have gone a little limp overnight. Temperature control is precise so it will all ens up how you like it, too. Does a lot, easy to use and control, and simple to clean up too. You can't see the food as it cooks, but trust us when we say it is incredibly reliable so you can leave it to the job anyway If your main concern is serving as many people as possible, then you may want to consider the Pro Breeze XL Air Fryer. Thanks to its extra large capacity of 5.5 litres, you can feed your large family with just one cycle. The Pro Breeze XL Air Fryer runs via a powerful 1800W to produce enough heat for thorough cooking. The ventilated design of the grill allows the very hot air to circulate through at high speed, creating a cyclone pattern to guarantee even cooking. This air fryer features a user-friendly LED display from which you can choose the right cooking mode, depending on the type of meal you want to enjoy. There are 7 preset modes to help you perfectly cook everything from chips and lamb chops to cake and shrimps. You also get to adjust the cooking temperature and set the fryer to shut down after a certain period. Additionally, the fry basket is completely detachable and non-stick to make for easy cleaning. It’s even dishwasher safe to save you the hassle of manual washing. The Pro Breeze XL Air Fryer AF-02-UK-FBA is equipped with reliable safety features including a built-in overheating protection system and automatic shut-off sensors. This means you can still cook without worrying about burning down the kitchen! Got a lot of mouths to feed? The Pro Breeze XL Air Fryer has got you covered with a 5.5-litre capacity! It also includes various cooking programs to suit different food needs of the whole family. One more outstanding air fryer from Tefal is the EY401840 Easy Fry Precision. It’s quite popular among food lovers thanks to its advanced performance, sleek design, and impressive convenience. The Easy Fry Precision Air Fryer operates via a powerful 1500W motor, working through a capacity of 4.2 litres to make sure there’s plenty of delicious food to go around the whole family. Thanks to the cutting edge Air Pulse technology, this air fryer offers an efficient distribution of hot air across the loaded food to ensure quick yet even cooking. It uses very little oil (sometimes none at all) to deliver a healthier touch to your daily diet. Moreover, the air fryer is equipped with a removable basket and grid so you can lift your food and let any excess oil fall to the bottom of the bowel. As for versatility, the Easy Fry Precision Air Fryer has 8 preset programs that allow you to cook anything from roast potatoes and juicy chicken all the way to moist muffins! This high-tech air fryer also features an adjustable temperature between 80°C and 200°C as well as a 60-minute timer with an audible alert and auto shut off. The Tefal EY401840 Easy Fry Precision offers incredible value for money, with huge capacity and a lot of handy features to make your cooking experience as convenient as possible. The YV960140 ActiFry from the renowned Tefal brand works as a 2-in-1 air fryer that’s capable of cooking a whole meal in one go. This is possible because the air fryer features not one, but two cooking zones as it fits an extra rotating cooking plate. The top additional plate allows you to sear or fry chicken fillets, salmon fillets, and steaks while preserving their juiciness, while the bottom pan is great for side dishes such as roast potatoes, vegetables, and crispy fries. For even cooking results, the ActiFry 2-in-1 air fryer is equipped with a stirring paddle that operates automatically to give you a hands-free experience. The ActiFry 2-in-1 air fryer also features a dual motion technology which eliminates the need for preheating, which means you won’t have to wait for your food any longer than the cooking time. It uses a single spoonful of oil to make delicious chips with only 3% right from the comfort of your kitchen. With a capacity of 1.5 kg, this air fryer can feed up to 6 people. It’s also pretty easy to clean as all the removable components are dishwasher safe. The ActiFry 2-in-1 comes with a spoon and a recipe book to get you started. When it comes to versatility, the Tefal YV960140 ActiFry 2-in-1 Air Fryer is an excellent option if you're looking to cook different dishes in one go without taking up too much space in your kitchen. Another fantastic machine from the established Tower brand, the 1500W Air Fryer offers incredible value for money, especially for bigger families looking for healthier cooking at a competitive price. With a pot capacity of 4.3 litres, this Tower air fryer has lots of room for frying, baking, and grilling various ingredients. It applies VORTX cooking technology to rapidly circulate air to fry food without extra fats resulting from traditional frying methods. The Tower T17021 Air Fryer features adjustable temperature, allowing you to set it anywhere between 80 and 200 degrees for several meal options. This great air fryer also comes with a built-in 60-minute timer which switches the machine off after the cycle is done. Similar to the other Tower Air Fryer we talked about, this one has a removable basket and a pull out drawer that you can easily wash by hand. It’s important to note that the pot is 4.3L and the basket is 3.2L. Looking to combine large capacity with affordability? The Tower 1500W Air Fryer will back you up with a bargain price and a 4.3L capacity, topped off with temperature adjustment and timer features to give you a convenient experience. If you’re on a budget but still want to experience healthier cooking, the Tower 1000W Air Fryer could be exactly what you need. With a capacity of 1.5 litres and a 1000W motor, this Tower air fryer applies rapid air circulation technology to fry food using little oil, reducing the usual excess fat associated with regular frying methods. Not only does the Tower 1000W Air Fryer get the job done in less time than conventional cooking, but it also gives you great control over the temperature, allowing you to adjust it between 80 and 200 degrees to cook an array of different meals including meat, chicken, vegetables, chips, and cake. The Tower 1000W Air Fryer also features a 30-minute timer that automatically shuts off once the cooking cycle is complete. Moreover, the compact design makes storage easier while the removable basket and pull out drawer need simple hand washing to clean. For a small family of two and the budget-conscious shoppers, the 1.5 litre Tower T17025 Air Fryer has everything you'd need to cook healthier food for few people without breaking the bank. With a temperature range between 80°C to 200°C, this is one of the most adaptable air fryers on the market. It also has a massive 5-litre capacity, so it really is the best for a large family too. Making it easy to enjoy fast food without the guilt, the Power Air Fryer uses super-hot cyclonic air technology to cook your food, meaning very little oil is required. You can also grill, bake, sauté and roast, so there is no need to debate as to whether you would get a lot of use out of it. Food can be ready up to 70% faster than with using conventional methods, and without the hassle of preheating any ovens too. Simply add your food to the non-stick basket, slot it into the unit and choose one of seven pre-programmed settings to get going. There is also the flexibility to adjust settings manually. A digital control panel offers complete precision. Download Power Air Fryer 5 Litre Digital User Manual Here. For the price, this is an incredible bit of kit which will become your best kitchen friend
Air fryers are not known for their retro style, but this Swan model does indeed tick that box (as much as possible). It is perfect for anyone who already owns many of the small Swan appliances in their kitchen, or indeed anyone who just wants something which looks a little different. Or, if you want something which holds a lot of food – at 3.2kg, the capacity of this fryer is almost double some of the leading models. You need a maximum of 1tsp oil to get the cooking going, even when you are making a meal for all the family and it is filled to the brim with food. All you need to do is pre-set the correct cooking temperature and time for your food. It will go up to 200 degrees. Choose from black, cream or red to match your other appliances and kitchen accessories, and it is a nice size to pop away in the cupboard if you don’t like leaving things out. All in all, a great product at a great price. SWAN SD90010REDN Air Fryer User Manual Not the jazziest but still cooks food well if you follow the instructions, and the dishwasher safe parts will appeal to a lot of people Air fryers are brilliant for anyone who wants to eat what they love but are conscious about how it is made. This handy little device has nine automatic programmes, so everything can be cooked perfectly. Just tap your preferred mode for whatever you are cooking, and let the airfryer do the work. Thanks to the touchscreen interface, it is very easy to pick. We particularly loved the two 1-meal-in-1-go settings – pick the wok for making delicious stir-fries or the world food setting for tagines and curries which need a little more attention and infusion. Everything will be evenly cooked as well, thanks to the automatic stirring. You can even make use of the Delayed Start function, which will help you ensure your food is ready for when you get home. Or, if someone is running late, the Keep Warm option will allow you to lock in the heat without drying out or overdoing the food. We love the versatility and ease of use. No matter what you want to cook, it is probably possible. And it is all stress-free, too, thanks to the preset functions which take the hassle out of temperature tuning. And it is easily cleaned. To be honest, it is pretty much perfect – if you’re willing to pay the price for perfection. TEFAL ActiFry Genius XL AH960040 Air Fryer User Manual On the higher cost side, but it certainly gives a performance which makes this understandable. Perfect for all the family to use With a 4.3L capacity pot and 3.2L capacity basket, you can cook food which is not only healthy but without breaking the bank, as this model is a great budget buy. The temperature ranges from 80 to 200°C, which is usually only found in higher-priced models. All you need to do is make sure you regularly shake the contents of the basket during cooking, and your food will come out evenly cooked. It is also more economical than a traditional oven, requiring no preheating and cooking food much quicker. The only downside is that the on/off button is also the start button; once the time is all set it can be easy to hold the start button for too long, meaning the appliance turns off and all settings are lost. Download Tower T17024 Digital Air Fryer Manual For the price and technology, this would be a great product in any kitchen, not just those starting out on the air frying method.Ninja Foodi OP300EU
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Air Fryer Buying Guide
Tips for Using Air Fryers
Here’s how you can make the most out of the best air fryer for easier use and better results:
- Preheat the air fryer before loading the food – unless your air fryer has a preheating setting, you should let the air fryer run for a couple of minutes without food inside. This can help prevent overcooking.
- Sprinkle some oil onto the food itself – this is a trick to help certain foods, such as vegetables and shrimps, develop a nice crisp. Foods that already contain some fat, such as meat and chicken, won’t really need this step.
- Don’t put too much food in the basket – your food can turn out soggy if you overload the basket with ingredients. Instead, cook in small batches or buy a bigger air fryer to ensure a delicious crisp with every use.
- Grease the air fryer basket – coating the basket with a tiny bit of oil prevents the food from sticking to its surface. Make sure to do this even if your food doesn’t need oil to make cleaning easier later on.
- Make use of the temperature and timer controls – not all foods require high heat to cook, some ingredients will actually dry out faster than you think! A common way to properly adjust the temperature and the timer is by going about 20 degrees less than the oven setting for 20% less time.
Oil Usage
Some air fryers require less oil than others. Generally, this depends on what you are cooking; frozen chips usually require no oil, but chicken and other foods may require anywhere between half and one teaspoon.
Capacity
Think about how many people you will be frequently cooking for when using your air fryer. Ones of around 1L may be suitable for a couple, but small families could require anything from 3L upwards.
This also depends on what you’d be making – chips could take up a lot less room than meats, casseroles and puddings.
FAQs
What Is A ‘Health’ Air Fryer?
These tend to use a lot less oil than traditional air fryers, as they have more power to push the hot air around the cooking chamber. Check out our post on the health benefits of air fryers.
Do I Need A Model With A Paddle To Rotate My Food?
Not necessarily. They are a handy extra which means you don’t have to monitor your food too much to ensure even cooking, but most air fryer cooking baskets are easily removed and can be manually shaken.
Who Makes The Best Air Fryers?
Tefal’s ActiFry models and Pro Breeze constantly tops ‘best of’ lists, and the other models on offer from them are also really high quality. Most small kitchen appliance manufacturers have an air fryer on the market including, Tower and Power. Philips and Breville are two other brands which have a good selection to choose from.